Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Koyasan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Xi'an or Koyasan?
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $105Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $105, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Xi'an and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Koyasan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
- 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $269
- Bullet Train Station Transfer Service: $31
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Xianyang International Airport(XIY): $46
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Xi'an change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayXi'an $22Koyasan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour: $69
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- MuBus: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum Bus Tour with Options: $25
- Xi'an: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Temple Entrance Ticket: $25
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.34Koyasan $5.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Koyasan, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.